The Mediation and Community Communication Program Coordinator will build the capacity of the Dispute Resolution Center of Yakima & Kittitas County and expand access to resources and training for low-income college students and families in the Yakima Valley. The VISTA member will collaborate with Heritage University faculty and community partners to develop and coordinate a student peer-mediation program at Heritage University. The member will also support a community communication program developed by faculty and community partners that will cross-train low-income students and community members in several cities across Yakima County. These programs will increase the overall health and security of the community by providing low-income and marginalized community members with the skills and knowledge necessary to empower them to pursue paths out of poverty through higher education and improved career opportunities. The VISTA member joins the statewide Washington Campus Compact VISTA team whose members increase the capacity of campus-community partnerships by leveraging campus resources and community assets to address critical issues of education access and food security. Washington Campus Compact is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our national service programs. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. **Strong preference for applicants who are bilingual in Spanish/English.**

Member Duties : The VISTA member will continue to grow the capacity of the project: 1) Increase the DRC’s capacity to serve those in need of basic mediation services and access to higher education 2) Expand the community communications training and add two Community Response Teams, one in Upper Yakima Valley and one in Lower Yakima Valley 3) Schedule and facilitate Community Response Team meetings 4)Expand mediation services to students beyond the one university department by developing a peer mediation student club at HU and 5) support the CRMJ 310 basic mediation class at HU